Still looking

[barante]

We finally made it to the much-ballyhooed Accra Beach last week. It was nice enough in the resort kind of way that would be no different from Mombasa or Thailand, but nothing special. We had a nice time, though, and were glad we went. The high point of the $30 roundtrip taxi ride was Carlisle Bay. It looked stunning. Perhaps it's worth another look; we have only been to the Boatyard. Overall, though, we are still looking for that perfect beach in Barbados.

We'll be back in Barbados in January and will likely return to our favorite, Brighton Beach. Because of occasional coral on the bottom, it may not be as nice as Accra and Carlisle. But this glorious strip of sand within a $6.00 rountrip cab fare is almost deserted. Yet it has changing and restroom facilities plus a solitary bar-restaurant near the lifeguard tower. You must appreciate quietude and isolation because so few other people may be around.

I must add that we found another great beach on this cruise, this on in St. Thomas. It's Honeymoon Beach, which is reachable on a boat from the marina at Crown Bay. The 15-minute trip costs $9 pp. Once you reach Water Island you have to trek uphill for about five minutes and then downhill another five. We could not find a golf cart for hire on our return, but found the return climb unexpectedly easy (the road is paved).

The beach itself is free. It has picnic tables and sturdy shade umbrellas constructed of palm fronds. No loud music, no revving motor boats. An overpriced but tasty chuck wagon serves food. The beach slopes gently, has some sea grass at the bottom and few fish. But we thoroughly enjoyed the peace and calm of the place.